International Chemical Safety Cards

FORMALDEHYDE ICSC: 0275

Methanal
Methyl aldehyde
Methylene oxide
(cylinder)
HCHO
Molecular mass: 30.0
CAS # ###50-00-0
RTECS # LP8925000
ICSC # 0275
UN # 1198
EC # 605-001-00-5
TYPES OF
HAZARD/
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS/
SYMPTOMS 		PREVENTION FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Extremely flammable.
NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking. NO contact with strong oxidants or bases
Shut off supply; if not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out; in other cases extinguish with powder, carbon dioxide,
EXPLOSION Gas/air mixtures are explosive.
Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting,
In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water.
EXPOSURE
AVOID ALL CONTACT!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
  • INHALATION
    		• Tingling in nose and throat16,15 burning sensationin the nose and throat cough, headache,?? laboured breathing, nausea,??? shortness of breath,15
    		Ventilation. Local exhaust or breathing protection.
    		Fresh air, rest, artificial respiration if indicated, and refer for medical attention.
  • SKIN
    		• redness,
    		Protective gloves, protective clothing.
    		Remove contaminated clothes, rinse skin with plenty of water or shower, and refer for medical attention.
  • EYES
    		• Effects will be delayed Severe tearing redness, pain, blurred vision, loss of vision, severe deep burns,
    		safety goggles, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
    		First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
  • INGESTION

    		• Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

    SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING
    Evacuate danger area consult an expert remove gases with fine water spray, (extra personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus).
    		Fireproof, separated from strong bases cool, keep in the dark, store only if stabilized.

    UN Haz Class: 3
    UN Pack Group: M
    SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
    ICSC: 0275 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1990 No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and IDLH values.

    International Chemical Safety Cards

    FORMALDEHYDE ICSC: 0275

    I
    M
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    D
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    A
    PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
     GAS , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

    PHYSICAL DANGERS:
     The gas mixes well with air, explosive mixtures are easily formed.

    CHEMICAL DANGERS:
     The substance polymerizeswith fire or explosion hazard????? On combustion, forms toxic gases???? The substance is a weak acid Reacts violently with oxidants causing fire and explosion hazard.

    OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
     TLV (as TWA): 0.3 ppm; 0.37 mg/m3 A2 (ACGIH 1992-1993)
    OSHA PEL: 1910.1048 TWA 0.75 ppm ST 2 ppm
    NIOSH REL: Ca TWA 0.016 ppm C 0.1 ppm 15-minute See Appendix A
    NIOSH IDLH: Potential occupational carcinogen 20 ppm


    		ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
     The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation

    INHALATION RISK:
     A harmful concentration of this gas in the air will be reached very quickly on loss of containment.

    EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
     Tear drawing. The substance is corrosive to the eyes the skinand the respiratory tract. Inhalation of this gas may cause lung oedema (see Notes). Inhalation of may cause asthmatic reactions (see Notes). see Notes Inhalation may cause spasms and laryngeal oedema??? Exposure at concentrations well above the TLV may result in death. The effects may be delayed See Notes.

    EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
     Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitizationand respiratory sensitization This substance is probably carcinogenic to humans. May cause genetic damage in humans.???
    PHYSICAL
    PROPERTIES
    Boiling point: -19.5°C
    Melting point: -92°C
    Relative density (water = 1): 1.08
    		 Flash point: Flammable Gas
    Auto-ignition temperature: ???424°C
    Explosive limits, vol% in air: 7-73
    ENVIRONMENTAL
    DATA
         		Environmental toxicity:
    NOTES
    Often found in a solution containing 37% formaldehyde, 15% methanol and water. See also ICSC # 0695. The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation is therefore essential. The symtoms of asthma often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential.????? Anyone who has shown symptoms of asthma due to this substance should never again come into contact with this substance. An added stabilizer or inhibitor can influence the toxicological properties of this substance, consult an expert. The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient.???
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


    ICSC: 0275 FORMALDEHYDE
    © IPCS, CEC, 1990
    IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and IDLH values.